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Scottie Alan
Joined: 26 Jan 2010
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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 11:42 am Post subject: E-2 visa health check tests |
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I'm a newly hired teacher heading off next month to Korea. There is conflicting information on the internet, to say the least, and I was hoping to get as many responses as I can from RECENTLY hired teachers about the drug test for the E-2 visa:
1. On the pre-arrival health from, if you answer "YES" and write marijuana under the narcotics question, does that automatically disqualify you? AND
2. If you tell the truth and they detect marijuana, would that highly go in your favor to not getting deported?
2. Do they test for marijuana or not? I've heard they don't anymore, and I've also heard that many/most hospitals do anyway.
3. If you test positive, at whose discretion is it to deport you? The school or the government?
ANY information about this would be useful. Personal or solid secondhand experience only please. |
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banjois

Joined: 14 Nov 2009
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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 11:49 am Post subject: |
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I think you should definitely check "yes." Also, smoke up in the car on the way to the airport, it'll relax you for the flight.  |
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mattdsoares
Joined: 04 Dec 2009
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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 11:49 am Post subject: |
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I'd recommend that you DON'T smoke for at least a month before going. I can't remember if they do urine or blood tests, but either way, if you're clean for a month before getting tested, you should be ok.
I would think this is common sense though... |
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Scottie Alan
Joined: 26 Jan 2010
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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 12:03 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks guys. When I take the test, I will have been clean for about a month exactly, but the information on the actual length of time to "clean up" is even more conflicting.
If it's the school's decision whether to deport or not, I'd rather warn them before of a possible positive test to see whether they'd take me anyway- the guy I've been dealing with lived in the US a long time so would be more understanding than your average Korean? |
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mattdsoares
Joined: 04 Dec 2009
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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 12:12 pm Post subject: |
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Scottie Alan wrote: |
Thanks guys. When I take the test, I will have been clean for about a month exactly, but the information on the actual length of time to "clean up" is even more conflicting.
If it's the school's decision whether to deport or not, I'd rather warn them before of a possible positive test to see whether they'd take me anyway- the guy I've been dealing with lived in the US a long time so would be more understanding than your average Korean? |
From my understanding, the hospital just gives you and the school a health report, which you take to the authorities to get your Alien registration card. So the hospital doesn't report anything directly to the government, but I'm not positive on that.
That being said, for pot, a month SHOULD be ok, but it depends on a lot of factors. First, how often you smoke. If you're a heavy smoker it will stay in your system longer. Also your weight. The more fat you have, the longer the remnants of the weed will stay in your system. If you're in good shape on only smoke very occasionally, you'll likely be clean in 1-2 weeks. If you're not in great shape, or smoke multiple times a week, it can take 3-4 weeks...usually not more than a month, but everyone is different. For example, I've had friends who smoke once in a blue moon...maybe 3 or 4 times a year tops...they had a test a week and a half after last smoking and he tested clean.
If you're really concerned about it, keep in mind that you have 90 days to get the health check and your ARC after entering Korea...so if you're really that scared, try and stall for an extra week or so. |
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Scottie Alan
Joined: 26 Jan 2010
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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 12:17 pm Post subject: |
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Pretty good shape, not fat at all, but sometimes heavy smoker.
And if it's not the government's decision, then I find it hard to imagine the school would send me home when I'm going to arrive right at orientation, no? It's not a hagwon, it's a multiple-subject elementary school with a pretty firm deadline they need someone by, I believe. |
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banjois

Joined: 14 Nov 2009
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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 12:31 pm Post subject: |
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Um, in case you missed the at the end of my last post, you should do what you have to to clean your system and NOT MENTION YOUR PAST DRUG USE TO ANYBODY IN KOREA! School, government, whatever. They won't look on it kindly. And if they get finicky they can do a follicle test, so, unless you wanna do a full-body wax, ya know, shut yer yap. |
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mattdsoares
Joined: 04 Dec 2009
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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 12:36 pm Post subject: |
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banjois wrote: |
Um, in case you missed the at the end of my last post, you should do what you have to to clean your system and NOT MENTION YOUR PAST DRUG USE TO ANYBODY IN KOREA! School, government, whatever. They won't look on it kindly. And if they get finicky they can do a follicle test, so, unless you wanna do a full-body wax, ya know, shut yer yap. |
Agreed. On your paperwork, you're never done any drugs ever before. You don't even know what marijuana is.
Saying yes, and then testing positive isn't going to earn you brownie points for honesty. Saying yes at all, will possibly earn you a denial of your Visa |
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banjois

Joined: 14 Nov 2009
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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 12:40 pm Post subject: |
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Feel free to remove the word "possibly" from that last statement.
I'm beginning to understand why many who've been on this forum for nay length of time get snarky... |
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mattdsoares
Joined: 04 Dec 2009
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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 12:59 pm Post subject: |
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banjois wrote: |
Feel free to remove the word "possibly" from that last statement.
I'm beginning to understand why many who've been on this forum for nay length of time get snarky... |
While I think a lot of this is common sense...this is a new experience for most of us, and no one wants to assume things, especially in regards to standards, culture, and regulations of a foreign country.
People are often just looking for confirmation of their fears or suspicions, even if they think they already know the answer. |
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Scottie Alan
Joined: 26 Jan 2010
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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 1:37 pm Post subject: |
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I don't mind "snarky". I just want straight facts from people who might've had relevant experience.
btw, I'm an experienced teacher in 3 foreign countries. Just never one that does (or perhaps doesn't) weed tests for visas. |
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banjois

Joined: 14 Nov 2009
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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 1:57 pm Post subject: |
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Scottie Alan wrote: |
I don't mind "snarky". |
That's good, cuz, hoo boy, wait until all the people who are actually already in Korea wake up and jump on this one...
I've been at least halfway around the block before, but I'm totally new to overseas travel and working, and I know that if a visa form asks about narcotics, you shouldn't really take time to consider how to answer. |
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Scottie Alan
Joined: 26 Jan 2010
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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 3:03 pm Post subject: |
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That's cool Banjois and this isn't going to turn into a back and forth I hope (you've said your piece), but to all the teachers in Korea waking up thinking "hoo boy!", can we use this thread for what it's NOT for: trying to think up the most "clever?" comment to make someone feel like an ass...the most obvious and first piece of advice is not always the best. That's like taking the first YELP comment you read as gospel.
I want to hear ACTUAL experiences from people who've been through this process IN KOREA.
Do they test for ganj or not? Who gets the results? Who decides? If you test positive is it AUTOMATIC visa denial? Is there anything you can do if you test positive to not get deported? This is my initial ARC application.
I know it supposedly takes one month to clear your system but there's nothing I can do about that but quit, which I've done but I want to go on the worst case scenario that I fail the test.
Looking for some peace of mind. I'd love to hear your no spin stories. |
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banjois

Joined: 14 Nov 2009
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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 3:35 pm Post subject: |
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<insert cello theme music from Jaws here> |
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nomad-ish

Joined: 08 Oct 2007 Location: On the bottom of the food chain
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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 3:46 pm Post subject: |
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banjois wrote: |
Um, in case you missed the at the end of my last post, you should do what you have to to clean your system and NOT MENTION YOUR PAST DRUG USE TO ANYBODY IN KOREA! School, government, whatever. They won't look on it kindly. And if they get finicky they can do a follicle test, so, unless you wanna do a full-body wax, ya know, shut yer yap. |
you mean a hair test, don't you? the follicle would be new growth. i've never ever heard of anyone in korea being drug tested using hair (correct me if you know someone who has); it's usually a urine drug test.
as for mentioning past drug use... that is a big mistake over here. you do have 90 days to get your alien card (ARC), so if you're that worried you should just make up some excuse to postpone your health check a good month or so. just be aware that your school can not register you for health insurance and pension until you have your ARC. |
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